Maltese vs Papillon
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

Maltese
Toy Group

Papillon
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Maltese Overview
Maltese dogs captivate with their flowing white silk coats and elegant bearing. Standing 7-9 inches tall with a compact body, these graceful companions feature dark expressive eyes, a black button nose, and a gently rounded skull. Their distinctive coat falls straight to the ground, creating a regal appearance that belies their playful, affectionate nature. Gentle yet spirited, they combine aristocratic refinement with a charming, vivacious personality.
Papillon Overview
Graceful and elegant, Papillons are distinguished by their butterfly-like ears adorned with flowing fringed hair. Their refined build combines delicate features with a hardy constitution, sporting a silky coat in white with patches of various colors. Alert and lively, these intelligent companions carry themselves with remarkable poise while maintaining a spirited, friendly demeanor.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Malteses are less energetic than Papillons, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Malteses require more grooming attention compared to Papillons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Malteses tend to be more reserved with strangers than Papillons.
- Trainability: Malteses may be slightly easier to train due to their Maltese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Malteses adapt better to apartment living, while Papillons typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Maltese and Papillon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
Feature | Maltese | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Size | Toy | Toy |
Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 14-16 years |
Country of Origin | Unknown | France |
Breed Group | Toy Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
Feature | Maltese | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Height | 7-9 inches 18-23 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 kg | 5-10 lbs 2-5 kg |
Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
Coat Length | Short | Short |
Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
Feature | Maltese | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Temperament | Gentle, Playful, Charming | Friendly, Alert, Happy |
Energy Level | | |
Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
Feature | Maltese | Papillon |
---|---|---|
Good with Children | | |
Good with Other Dogs | | |
Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Maltese Temperament
The Maltese is known for being gentle, playful, charming, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Papillon Temperament
The Papillon is characterized by being friendly, alert, happy, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Maltese and Papillon, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Maltese
Rating: 3/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Maltese
Rating: 2/5
Papillon
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Maltese
Rating: 5/5
Papillon
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Maltese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Malteses require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Malteses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Papillon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Papillons need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Papillons require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Maltese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- White Dog Shaker Syndrome
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Hypoglycemia
Papillon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Dental Issues
- Heart Murmurs
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
Maltese
Pros
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent companion dog
- Good for apartments
- Adaptable to different lifestyles
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Prone to dental issues
- Delicate physical structure
Papillon
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Easy to train
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Can be yappy
- Delicate build
- May be stubborn
- Separation anxiety prone
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Maltese and Papillon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.